MINNEAPOLIS — Justin Jefferson on Sunday became the youngest player to ever reach 7,000 career receiving yards.
The fifth-year pro did so against the Atlanta Falcons at U.S. Bank Stadium with his fourth catch of the game, a 21-yard reception in the third quarter.
Jefferson entered the contest needing 63 yards to become the 162nd player all-time.
He met the mark at 25 years and 175 days of age, breaking the previous record set by Tampa Bay's Mike Evans (26 years, 81 days).
During the climb, Jefferson passed Vikings Legend Jake Reed, who finished his career with 6,999 yards while playing for the Vikings (6,433) and Saints (566).
Jefferson's milestone was recognized on the video board with a lower-third graphic just before his fifth catch of the day — a 52-yard score on which he found an opening after Sam Darnold evaded a Falcons blitz.
Jefferson posted up inside the 10-yard line as Darnold rolled to his right. The QB could have rushed for a first down but spotted Jefferson all alone and fired the ball for Jefferson's second touchdown of the game. The score put Minnesota up 21-13 with 3:25 remaining in the third quarter.
Jefferson's first touchdown of the game also occurred on a third down. Darnold found him in single coverage on a post route for a 12-yarder that made it 14-7 with 2:01 remaining in the first half.
